Top 100 Countries with the Highest Average IQ in 2026

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Top 100 Countries by Average IQ in 2026

South Korea Continues to Lead the World

South Korea maintains its position as the country with the highest average IQ, clocking in at an impressive 106.97. Rising through the ranks over the past decade, South Korea’s emphasis on education and technological innovation seems to be paying off. Its proficiency in STEM fields, rigorous academic standards, and extensive investment in educational infrastructure are often cited as key contributors to this high average intelligence score.

East Asian Countries Hold Strong

China and Japan, neighboring giants in East Asia, follow closely behind with averages of 106.48 and 106.3, respectively. China’s rapid technological progress and educational reforms have contributed significantly to its score, placing it firmly among the top contenders. Japan’s longstanding tradition of academic excellence remains evident in its consistent performance, driven by a culture that values education and innovation.

Middle Eastern and Oceania Countries Show Progress

Iran has made notable strides with an average IQ of 104.8, reflecting improvements in school literacy rates and access to advanced education programs. Australia, with a score of 104.45, continues to rank high among Western nations, thanks to its high-quality educational infrastructure and investment in research and development.

Russia and Southeast Asia: Climbing the Ladder

Russia’s average IQ of 103.78 highlights its robust education system and emphasis on high-level scientific research. Countries like Singapore, Mongolia, and Vietnam — with averages of 103.56, 102.61, and 102.26 — showcase the diverse growth patterns across Asia. Singapore’s strategic focus on technological and scientific education has been pivotal in maintaining its top-tier cognitive performance.

North America: Consistent Performers

Canada stands at an average of 102.09, with the United States close behind at 101.04. These nations benefit from extensive higher education systems, advanced technological industries, and widespread access to quality education, although within the U.S., disparities still influence the national average.

Europe: Steady Trends

European countries like Spain (102.24), Cyprus (102.12), and the United Kingdom (101.57) continue to uphold high standards. Switzerland, Italy, and the Netherlands also demonstrate the continent’s emphasis on academic rigor and innovation, contributing to their scores that hover just over the 100 mark.

Countries with Growing Educational Investments

Many nations, previously sitting with lower scores, have seen notable increases due to targeted educational reforms. Countries like Georgia, Greece, and Czechia have all crossed the 99-point threshold, indicating a global shift towards better literacy and mental acuity.

Countries at the Middle of the Pack

The middle tier features a mix of developing and developed nations. India has an average of 98.44, representing a significant improvement over previous years, driven by expanding higher education access and technological integration. Egypt and Bulgaria hover around a 96.7 average, emphasizing the importance of educational investments in cognitive development.

Countries with Room for Improvement

Nations like Yemen, with an average IQ of 93.43, continue to face challenges related to access to quality education, healthcare, and infrastructural development. The disparities across regions underscore the socio-economic factors influencing average cognitive measurements.

The Global Perspective

Overall, the data from 2026 reveals incremental improvements in multiple regions, reflecting ongoing efforts in education, healthcare, and economic development. While East Asia and parts of Europe remain at the forefront, many other nations are making strides, highlighting the importance of investing in human capital for future global competitiveness.

Source: International IQ Test, 2026 — Based on data collected from over 1.2 million participants worldwide.

Note: IQ scores are averages calculated from standardized testing, and while they offer insight into national cognitive performance, they do not encompass the full spectrum of intelligence or individual potential.